Delhi Declaration on Afghanistan calls for inclusive govt, rights of women, minorities

The NSAs of seven countries including 5 Central Asian countries and Russia and Iran also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

New Delhi: The Delhi Declaration on Afghanistan released after the National security advisors (NSAs) meet has called for an inclusive government in Kabul and upholding the "fundamental rights" of women, children and minority communities. NSA of 7 countries-- the 5 Central Asian countries--Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran and Russia.

Declaration said that the countries "stressed the necessity of forming an open and truly inclusive government" that represents the "will of all the people of Afghanistan and has representation from all sections of their society, including major ethno-political forces in the country." It further highlighted, "Inclusion of all sections of the society in the administrative and political structure is imperative for the successful national reconciliation process in the country."

Taliban since the takeover of the country announced a government, which was dominated by the group and had no representation from minorities like the Hazaras. The government also had no representation from women and of over 30 members in the cabinet, around 17 are on the United Nations list of sanctioned terrorists.

A considerable portion was on the issue of threat of terrorism emanating from the country. The joint statement "emphasized that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist acts." The countries which participated at the meet have called for a "collective cooperation" against the "menace of radicalization, extremism, separatism and drug trafficking in the region." Central asian countries, especially those who share land border with Afghanistan, like Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are worried over a spillover into their territory.  

The focus was also on humanitarian support to the country and the need to "provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan." With the onset of winter, and the Taliban government not doing essential food stockpiling, fear of a major humanitarian crisis is looming in the country with many on the brink of starvation.

Interestingly, the statement mentioned that humanitarian assistance should be provided in an "unimpeded, direct and assured manner to Afghanistan" and that the "assistance is distributed within the country in a non-discriminatory manner across all sections of the Afghan society." India has proposed to send assistance to Afghanistan via Pakistan but the country hasn't responded to New Delhi's request.

This is the second such statement being issued on Afghanistan under Indian leadership. In August, under the Indian presidency of the United Nations security council a resolution was adopted. The visiting NSAs participated at the regional security dialogue earlier in the day and issued statements. NSA Ajit Doval in his remarks said, "Developments in (Afghanistan)...have important implications not only for the people of Afghanistan, but also for its neighbours and the region. This is the time for close consultation amongst us, greater cooperation and interaction and coordination among the regional countries." The NSAs also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.